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AVG Offers New Free Anti-Rootkit to Fight Severe Hidden Threats

11 April, 2007 08:37

<p>GRISOFT expands its comprehensive offering of free security applications</p><p>Avalanche Technology Group, the Australasian distributor of GRISOFT’s AVG Internet security software, today announced AVG Anti-Rootkit, a new, free product aimed at detecting and removing rootkits. Rootkits are a specific malware type which hide in other applications or in a computer‘s operating system kernel. They allow malicious applications to collect passwords and sensitive data from the infected computer, without the user’s knowledge, for personal information theft, spam relay and other criminal intent.</p><p>Rootkits have become a severe threat compared to traditional malware because conventional antivirus solutions often miss them. They execute by embedding applications within the operating system. As the operating system is an essential application to many necessary programs (including antivirus protection), it is important to correctly distinguish between malicious rootkits and legitimately hidden processes. GRISOFT conducted six months of open beta program testing to ensure AVG Anti-Rootkit is able to protect users and operating systems without the confusion and hassle of false alarms.</p><p>Rootkits were originally used by hackers to cover their tracks after unauthorised access to computers. Today, these techniques have been redesigned in order to mask the presence of malicious software used to gather and exploit personal information - such as credit card numbers and social security numbers - creating a serious threat to users.</p><p>“Rootkits are computer code that attempt to hide their actions and processes, making the job of detecting the code and the harmful processes very difficult,” explains Larry Bridwell, Global Security Strategist for AVG. “AVG Anti-Rootkit is developed to detect and destroy rootkits effectively, without bothering users with false alarms.”</p><p>Like all AVG products, AVG Anti-Rootkit offers users free, regular updates and a simple user interface. AVG Anti-Rootkit is available now to all users as a free download from www.avgfree.com.au.</p><p>About GRISOFTwww.grisoft.com</p><p>GRISOFT is a leading provider of antivirus, firewall protection and security solutions for consumers and SMEs. It is one of the fastest growing companies in the industry with more than 50 million protected computers around the world.</p><p>Established in 1991, GRISOFT employs some of the world’s leading experts in antivirus software, specifically in the areas of virus analysis and detection, software development, and antivirus support. GRISOFT award-winning products are distributed globally through resellers and the Internet as well as via AVG Anti-Virus Software Developer’s Kit (SDK) to interested partners.</p><p>About Avalanche www.avalanche.com.auEstablished in 1997 and based in Melbourne, Avalanche Technology Group Pty Ltd is a wholly owned Australian company that distributes a range of innovative business software solutions to the Australian and New Zealand markets. The products, which focus on real business needs, provide outstanding technical solutions and exceptional value for the client.</p><p>Avalanche is the Australian and New Zealand distributor of GRISOFT´s AVG security portfolio and FinePrint Software´s pdfFactory and FinePrint products. Avalanche has a 900-strong reseller network across Australia and New Zealand.</p><p>For more detailed information please contact:Peter Cameron Avalanche Technology Group 1300 855 005Shuna Boyd BoydPR 02 9418 8100</p>

PCW Evaluation Team

I would recommend this device for families and small businesses who want one safe place to store all their important digital content and a way to easily share it with friends, family, business partners, or customers.

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